Google disables Android security feature

Software giant Google has taken the decision to disable a security feature in its mobile phone operating system Android after some apps were left unusable, reports the Register.

The digital rights management (DRM) code was designed to stop piracy by making it more difficult for people to make copies of apps.

However, the encryption solution, which locks apps to the device they are downloaded on, has caused problems among Android Jelly Bean users, some of whom have been struggling to use legitimate software they have downloaded.

Bugs in Android's own security code is likely to unsettle mobile phone owners, particularly as threats from viruses and Trojans are becoming increasingly prevalent.

On top of that people are starting to use their handsets to make payments in store and shop online, so compromised software and attacks from hackers can have serious ramifications.

However, it is unlikely that the security concerns will stop people from migrating to mobile methods of payment, according to Proxama's Russell West – a mobile wallet expert.